Well Christmas is coming, so the wife asked about what to get the Blueberry Ranch Chef.
At first I was thinking a proper Rice cooker because they are so flexible, but then realized I would be making myself somewhat obsolete, so thats out.LOL!!
Then I got to thinking about the Bread situation around here.

The local bakerys pretty much suck at making Bread.
WAAAAY too trendy to keep the Fudgies(Tourists) happy, and the staples like French Bread they offer is either too heavy or armor plated.
Good luck getting a good loaf of fresh Pumpernickle or swirl rye either as they only bake Breads on Mondays and thursdays.

I Bake Bread occaisionally, and would bake bread more often if it wasn't such a time intensive hassle.

So I'm thinking Bread machine. Never had one. and never used one.
I am sure there are good ones and bad ones, some in the middle, and some that are great but limited.
I reckon I need a proper Bread Machine edumacation, and some pointing in the right direction.

Any advice and direction?
What are the limitations of the things, Special flour, special cleaning, and that sort of thing?

Is there a make and model that is the "Must have" and what make and models are junk?